Back in Session!

February 6, 2026



 

 

Dear Neighbor,

The 2026 legislative session kicked off on Wednesday. I am honored, privileged and humbled to continue to represent the 140th District.

The following are my priorities for this legislative session:

1. Housing justice and tenant protections - anti-retaliation, fair eviction standards, stronger oversight of housing authorities.

2. Public benefit charge relief - reducing and restructuring unfair utility costs on working families.

3. Youth employment and entrepreneurship - paid pathways, workforce training, and small business pipelines.

4. Community violence intervention - trauma-informed prevention and recovery investments.

5. Educational equity - wraparound student supports and closing opportunity gaps.

6. Black business and cultural preservation - protecting legacy businesses and community anchors.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office concerning matters at the State Capitol.
 

Extending the Federal Cuts Emergency Fund

On Thursday, I voted to extend the emergency funding to combat the ongoing crisis promulgated by the federal government. The measure, which ensures that Connecticut families are protected and made whole in our homes in schools in light of devastating cuts, passed by the required three-fifths majority. 
 

CT Schools Poster Competition

The CT Coalition for Climate Action is now accepting applications for the third annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest! 

The contest was created to celebrate Connecticut for being one of the first states in the nation to include Climate Change Studies as part of its science curriculum in public schools. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to create and submit a poster that highlights the importance of protecting the environment, and what we can do to reduce climate change. 

Students and finalists are invited to the judging at the Capitol on Earth Day, April 22 between noon and 2:30 p.m. Semi-Finalists will be displayed at the state Capitol and the top three individual winners of the Grades 5–12 category will receive scholarships of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.

In addition to individual student entries, there will also be a  K–4 Classroom Poster Category, with one poster submission per class. The winning classroom will receive a $100 Staples® gift card along with a visit from either Leah Lopez of Save the Sound or Save the Sound’s Soundkeeper, Bill Lucy.

Final poster design and registration form should be emailed as a PDF to CTClimateActionCoalition@gmail.com no later than April 1 at 5 p.m.

Click here to learn more. 
 

CT Schools Poster Competition

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from Feb. 3 through March 18. You can find additional information on Ignite here. 

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from Feb. 1 to 28. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
 
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.
 

Local Interest
 

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative

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